National teacher strike action continues - most schools expected to be closed

Members of the EIS will continue with their programme of industrial action on Tuesday and Wednesday.

EIS members will walk out in primary and secondary schools across Scotland, as the campaign for a fair pay settlement for all of Scotland’s teaching professionals continues. It is anticipated that most schools across Scotland will be closed to pupils as a result of the ongoing strike action.

Commenting, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, “EIS members remain absolutely resolute in their determination to secure a fair pay settlement from the Scottish Government and COSLA. This two-day national strike action is a further clear signal that Scotland’s teachers are not prepared to accept the deep real-terms pay cut that is being offered to them.

"Support for the ongoing programme of strike action remains very strong, with a growing number of teachers out on picket lines with each day of action. Indeed, the EIS processed a significant number of new membership applications in the run up to today’s action, as more teachers expressed their desire to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their colleagues on EIS picket lines this week.”

Ms Bradley continued, “Teachers, pupils and parents have been badly let down by both the Scottish Government and COSLA throughout this dispute. For more than a year, they have slow-played negotiations on a fair pay settlement for teachers, preferring instead to hide behind undemocratic anti-trade union laws while also attempting to bypass the appropriate collective bargaining procedures. "

It is not through leaks to the press and soundbites on the airwaves that this dispute will be settled – it is only by appropriate negotiations, through the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT), that an agreement can be struck.”

Ms Bradley added, “The Scottish Government and COSLA need to realise that it is only by coming back to the negotiating table with an improved offer – one that is truly worthy of consideration by our members – that this dispute can be brought to a close.

"The EIS is ready and willing to call off future strike action should an offer be brought forward that we can recommend to Scotland’s teachers. This has not happened yet, and the blame for that failure – and for the continuing programme of strike action – falls squarely at the feet of the Scottish Government and Scotland’s local authority employers."

Further information the EIS campaign can be found here.